Sputter Production of Water and Oxygen Atmospheres at Icy Satellites: Temperature Effects

RAUL BARAGIOLA; DAVID BAHR; RICARDO VIDAL; J. SCHOU

Laurel, Maryland, EEUU

Workshop; PROSSI (Photolysis and Radiolysis of Outer Solar System Ices) Workshop; 2000

The Johns Hopkins University

Energetic photons, electrons and ions erode the surface satellites ejecting molecule to the gas phase, where they contribute to the formation of atmospheres. We will present measurements on yields of sputtering (desorption) of water  and oxygen molecules from solid water induced by 5-100 keV ions and Lyman-alpha photons, in the temperature range between 10 K and 160 K.  We will discuss physical mechanisms and implications of the results for the formation of atmospheres around the icy satellites of Jupiter and Saturn.